EXODUS

3b

"Why should you ask?" Grace turns to squarely face Overcomer.
"Well, your mother called yesterday afternoon. To ask if you were okay." Overcomer starts,"I was kind of worried actually."
Immediately, Grace countenance changes before she puts on a smiling mask and replies Overcomer. "Nothing is wrong actually. I don't know why she was worried."
  They start toward their classroom block as they continue their discussion. "Well, she called this morning too. To tell me that you should use your drugs unfailing before assembly." Overcomer comments. Grace stops abruptly and cocks an eyebrow at Overcomer.
  "By chance, are you the spy?" She questions giving her weird looks. Overcomer is obviously innocent as she looks utterly confused too. "I sure know who a spy is, but in this context, I don't seem to." She submits as they finally reach their class.
"Morning baby bully." Folafunmi, the class captain greets Grace. "Morning weirdo." She goes on to greet Overcomer.
"Morning big bully." They chorus as the rush to their seats at the sound of the bell signifying the assembly period. Just as they reach the assembly, Overcomer whispers into Grace's ear as the assembly prefect stepped unto the podium. A lingering smile breaks out on Grace's face as the echo of, "I'm here anytime you want to talk." reoccurs a million times in her head.

   Drawing the black curtains together, she slumps on the bed stomach first and picks up her phone. Receiving a WhatsApp message notification makes her open the app for a quick check. A message from Overcomer pops in.
English: Hello!
You: Hello O
English: How are you doing? Wanna talk?
You: Erm... Maybe another time. I need help with something though.
English: What's that?
You: The literature project. I have tonnes of ideas but none seems to be attractive enough for Mrs Williams.
English: I'm glad I can help. You can come around on Saturday.
You: I will help getting permission from my Mom.
English: My mother will do that. I can always work a little trick.
You: Thanks dear. See you in school tomorrow.
English: Take care of yourself. And don't forget to use your drugs.
You: Not you too. Bye.
English: Pray before you sleep.
The last message read seen but there is no reply as Grace instead picks up the phone and leaves for the dinning area. She meets food served and everyone at the table.
"So if I didn't come downstairs, no one would call me for dinner." She complains while settling down. Her younger sisters look up at the same time and she ignores them.
"You didn't feel the need to assist in preparing the food. So why should I call you when the food is ready?" Mrs Ojo says stuffing her mouth with morsels of pounded yam soaked in egusi soup.
"I practically do every other house chore in this house. No one else assists or even appreciates me. But anytime I don't join in cooking dinner, trouble wakes." Grace retorts without looking directly at anyone. She busies herself with the food and the table is silent before a tiny voice stabs the thick wall of silence.
  "Mom!" It's Eunice.
"What's that my dear?" Mrs Ojo replies in a heartbeat and Grace rolls her eyes obviously affected by this public display of affection.
"I need money for my project." Eunice continues.
"How much will that be?"
"#2,500."
Agitated Grace rudely interrupts the flow of communication with her enraged voice. "What the hell. How come your projects are more expensive than mine? Besides, project payment does not start until next week. So what's with the...." She doesn't get to finish as her mother ignores her and returns her attention to Eunice.
"Remind me tomorrow morning. I will give it to you."
"Thanks Mom. I love you." Eunice cackles.
"I love you too dear. Eat up."
Grace rises up to her feet and takes her plate to the kitchen. She returns to the dining room and gives Deborah a kiss on the cheek.
"Good night cupcake." She wishes.
"Good night sis." Deborah replies.
"Good night." She murmurs again and moves up the stairs. She angrily throws the door back to its place as she slumps on the bed. She mutters,"I'm never the perfect one, whether elder or younger."

   Here we are readers. How's it going? Feel free to drop ideas and views.
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Yours In Ink; Bethel ™